A new national survey by Cleveland Clinic London shows that many men in the United Kingdom lack knowledge about prostate cancer symptoms and risk factors.
The study found that one in four men are unaware or unsure of the general signs of prostate cancer. While 87% of respondents believe it is important to follow a doctor’s recommendation for prostate screening, 27% admitted they only visit a doctor when they feel unwell.
Despite this, many men view preventive care positively. According to the survey, 88% believe understanding family history is key to assessing cancer risk, and 91% think managing other health issues can help lower cancer risk.
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer among men and the most frequently diagnosed cancer overall in England, according to Cancer Research UK. It is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the UK.
Survey Details and Key Findings
The survey, conducted with 2,000 UK men aged 18 and older, was released in recognition of Movember, a global campaign promoting men’s health awareness. It explored knowledge of prostate cancer risks, symptoms, screening, and prevention.
Professor Senthil Nathan, chairman for urology and consultant urological and robotic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic London, said, “Knowledge is power. When men understand the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, they are more likely to seek help early—and that can make all the difference.”
The survey revealed that 48% of UK men do not know whether they are at high risk for prostate cancer, and 58% are unaware that smoking can increase that risk. Almost half (48%) do not realize that genetics can influence the likelihood of developing the disease.
When it comes to symptoms, awareness remains low:
- 70% did not know unexplained weight loss can signal prostate cancer.
- 68% were unaware that fatigue may be a symptom.
- 76% did not know that a reduced sex drive could indicate the disease.
- 63% did not associate erectile dysfunction with prostate cancer.
Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment at Cleveland Clinic London
Cleveland Clinic London offers several advanced treatment options, including:
- Robotic focal therapies such as HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), Nanoknife, and Cryotherapy — minimally invasive treatments that target cancer while protecting healthy tissue.
- Robotic prostatectomy using nerve-sparing techniques for faster recovery.
- Precision diagnostics with 3T MRI, CT, ultrasound imaging, and advanced biopsy methods.
- Rapid Access PSA Clinic providing same-day scans, tests, and consultations for men aged 50–80 with elevated PSA levels.
- Multidisciplinary care from teams of urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons who develop personalized treatment plans.
In July 2025, Cleveland Clinic London announced the expansion of its cancer services to include medical oncology and haematology. The new 81,000-square-foot cancer centre at 40 Grosvenor Place, Belgravia, is expected to open by 2027. It will offer comprehensive treatments such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiotherapy.
This facility will rank among the UK’s most extensive independent cancer programs, providing individualized care through its multidisciplinary approach.
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted online by YouGov Plc between 31 October and 6 November 2025, with responses from 2,085 men aged 18 and older. Figures have been weighted to represent the UK’s male population accurately.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit, multispecialty academic medical center based in Ohio, USA. Founded in 1921, it is known for pioneering innovations such as coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the U.S. The organization employs over 81,000 people globally and manages 23 hospitals and 276 outpatient facilities in locations including the U.S., Canada, the UAE, and the UK.
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